Question

Consider the following fallacies (which are not discussed in the text). Explain why the fallacy applies to the example and create your own argument that displays the same fallacy.

43. The slippery slope fallacy has this form:
Premise:
X has occurred and is related to Y.
Conclusion:
Y will inevitably occur.
Example:
America has sent troops to three countries recently. Before you know it, we will have troops everywhere.

Answer 1

The slippery slope fallacy assumes that a small first step will lead to a chain of events with significant outcomes without providing evidence. An example of this fallacy is claiming that allowing calculators in exams will result in the decline of mathematical ability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Slippery Slope Fallacy

The slippery slope fallacy is an informal logical fallacy where one assumes that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant impact, often with disastrous results. This fallacy occurs because of a failure to provide evidence that one event will lead to another, relying instead on conjecture and fear. The example given, 'America has sent troops to three countries recently. Before you know it, we will have troops everywhere', assumes that a few instances of military action will inevitably lead to global military engagement, which is not supported by actual evidence.

Creating an Example

Here's an example of the same fallacy: If we allow high school students to use calculators in exams, they'll soon become dependent on them. Eventually, they won't be able to do even basic arithmetic without a calculator, leading to a decline in mathematical ability across the population.

This argument assumes without evidence that using calculators in exams will inevitably result in a widespread incapacity for basic maths skills. Like the military example, it does not take into account other factors that could prevent this outcome, such as continued education or the human capacity to adapt and retain skills.